1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster

Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Professionally converted into a Roadster by well-regarded restorers Meon Valley Classics in Droxford at a cost of over £10,000
Mechanical upgrades include a five-speed Getrag gearbox, uprated front anti-roll bar, Koni dampers, poly bushed front suspension, Lumenition ignition, stainless steel exhausts and an electronic speedometer
The conversion used Jaguar-approved panels from Martin Robe, parts from M&C Wilkinson and a hood from Don Trimming Co. Ltd

The Appeal

This is no ordinary E-Type.

It’s not one for the purists, but frankly, there are plenty about so it’s refreshing to see something different - especially when it’s as well-executed as this is.

This 1973 Series 3 E-Type began life as a 2+2. But in 2001, it was transformed from a Coupé to a roadster. The work was carried out by esteemed marque specialist Meon Valley Classics and cost over £10,000. High-quality replacement panels and parts were sourced from OEM-approved suppliers and you have to admit, the end result is mightily impressive.

It’s been suitably upgraded under the skin too, most notably with the fitment of a five-speed manual Getrag gearbox in 2008 which along with a concurrent mechanical overhaul, cost over £12,000. The Jaguar also features Lumenition ignition, stainless steel exhausts, an uprated front anti-roll bar, Koni dampers and poly-bushed front suspension - all of which contribute to one exceedingly usable example and one of the fastest V12 E-Types you’re likely to encounter. We’re informed that it cruises quietly at Autobahn speeds and accelerates very strongly.

If you’re looking for a well-sorted E-Type to drive hard, this one is eminently worthy of your consideration.

The History and Paperwork

Now correctly registered with the DVLA as a Roadster - with documentation to prove
Invoices present from the extensive mechanical overhaul and gearbox upgrade in 2008 by Hollygrove Jaguar of Ringwood
Accompanied by several photographs documenting the restoration/conversion process which took place in 2001
UK-supplied right-hand drive example
Matching engine and chassis numbers
V5C present
Exempt from road tax and MOT testing - last (advisory-free) MOT expired in February 2024

The Condition

Conversion finished to an exemplary standard
Superbly presented throughout in readiness for its next custodian
OEM-approved panels from Martin Robe
High-quality replacement parts from M&C Wilkinson
Folding hood from Don Trimming Co. Ltd
Rear seat conversion (instead of the usual storage space) and therefore retains its 2+2 credentials
Equipped with 15” wire wheels
Ceramic guard application to the cellulose paint
Despite the conversion, the car retains its original bonnet, doors, door cards, chromework, carpets and instruments (apart from the electronic speedometer)
All the leather seats and headrests are also reportedly original

It takes a true expert to notice this Jaguar didn’t leave the factory as a Roadster - it’s that good.

The quality of the conversion work is some of the best we’ve encountered and it helps that the best possible parts and panels were used at the time. The bodywork looks superb in ‘Midnight Blue’, with crisp swage lines and doors that align nicely. The vendor demonstrates that the convertible roof operates smoothly and fits well with no apparent issues to report. The interior looks immaculate with very little to report in the way of wear. All the chrome continues to gleam and there are no obvious signs of corrosion to the bodywork.

The Mechanics

5,343 cc V12
Five-speed Getrag manual gearbox
Larger front anti-roll bar fitted
Equipped with Koni dampers
Poly-bushed front suspension
Carburettors rebuilt and tuned
Replacement brake master cylinder and servo overhaul
Lumenition ignition system fitted
Stainless steel exhaust system
While the gearbox was being replaced in 2008, a full mechanical overhaul was carried out to the removed engine including all hoses, clips and other ancillaries at a cost of over £12,000
Engine compartment previously detailed and still presenting very well indeed

When you read the list of enhancements, it will come as no surprise that this E-Type drives exceedingly well. The five-speed manual gearbox is a notable upgrade as it affords better fuel economy with a higher 5th gear giving effortless cruising at Autobahn seeds. The remaining ratios are well-spaced for brisk acceleration and the V12 engine is said to be very fit. It’s believed to be one of the quickest V12 E-Types in existence and the fact it achieves this with the original (matching numbers) engine is a nice touch.

We’re not informed of any apparent mechanical problems, so all that’s left to do is drive this lovely car.

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